Dear Vanessa,

I have to say I am often envious of my friend Elise, she is liked by many and has the gift of gab.   People are drawn to her, they seem to like her instantly and she can build relationships like no other.   I on the other hand find it very difficult to build relationships.    I am nervous meeting others for the first time.   When I told Elise that I was envious of her, she replied and said that she was envious of me.   Dumbfounded, I stared back at her and said “of what”?   She then proceeded in telling me she was envious of how well I cooked, baked and kept our house organized.   Until she mentioned this, I didn’t really think much of it.  It was like a light bulb went off inside of me, I love cooking and baking, and I feel love when I am in the kitchen.    But this bought up something for me, I wondered if there are others out that that just don’t see that special something that they have…. Would like to hear more of your thoughts on this topic.

Sincerely,

Emily

Dearest Emily, thank-you for bring up this topic!   Many people seek out what they don’t have, and instead of being satisfied with who they are and right where they are, they yearn for what others have.

Did you know that you have a special something that no one else has? Something that is unique, that sparkles naturally? When we walk down this path of life, we will encounter bumps and roadblocks but each helps to refine the special something hidden in you – the gift within.

Sometimes it is tightly wrapped and takes a good portion of our lives to understand or even see.  You are not ordered to open the gift; the discovery of what’s inside is all up to you.   You may hear faint voices or whispers that call you to open it piece by piece, but you must use your hands to reveal the gift within that is only for you.  Your special sparkle deep down inside…

                “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a mans gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach, if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Romans  12:7-8)

Seek what you have within, that special sparkle only you have been given by our wonderful Maker.

Start by identifying your interests, what makes you happy, and what has become second nature in your life.  Jot all of these items down and you should be able to see a theme!   Just like Emily, she loves being in the kitchen, baking a cooking.    You can use your gift for good, and the more you use it, the more you will feel true joy.

The gift has been given only to be used for good. Take a step forward and start unwrapping that beautiful gift that God has placed just in you.  Unwrap the paper piece by piece and discover the beauty inside.  The beauty is wonderfully made.

Dear Lord God,

Thank-you for the gifts you have given us.  Help us each to discover our gifts inside.   Lead us to use our gifts for your good, so that we can experience true joy within.   Thank-you so much for loving us, in the way that you have given each of us something beautifully made.   I pray for this in Jesus name Amen.

Today take some time to discover the gift within.  What is your special sparkle?

May you be blessed ~Ness

Vanessa Chesters loves with her whole heart, lets God lead and hopes to be used for the good, writer, broken neck survivor, mother of two beautiful monkeys and a wonderful husband that have a huge piece of her heart.  Pop by and visit her at www.nesschesters.wordpress.comand if you have a question for her, please email her at [email protected]